Mettlach Beer Stein No. 2140 – Garde-Kürassier-Regiment Scene, ½ Liter, 1895 Dated Base

This ½-liter open-top stoneware stein by Villeroy & Boch's famed Mettlach factory presents a full-color transfer scene of the Garde-Kürassier-Regiment, one of Imperial Germany’s most prestigious cavalry units. The central figure is a mounted cuirassier in full parade gear—white tunic, polished cuirass, and pickelhaube—set against a soft battlefield vignette with fellow soldiers on horseback and on foot.

The regimental name is printed clearly at the top:
GARDE-KÜRASSIER-REGIMENT

Richly detailed decorative bands encircle both the rim and base in relief, featuring the crisp and raised ceramic motifs typical of Mettlach's late 19th-century craftsmanship. The handle is gracefully contoured with a string of beaded ceramic elements, and the capacity mark ½L is stamped near the top.

The underside is marked with the impressed Mettlach Abbey and VB shield logo, mold number 2140, and the date 95, confirming production in 1895. Additional incised and impressed marks appear, including form and decorator codes.

Condition:
This piece is in very good overall condition with strong color retention and no glaze fading. There is a clean, stable chip on the lower front base, clearly shown in the images. It does not detract significantly from display but is reflected in the pricing.

Historical Note:
The Garde-Kürassier-Regiment was part of the elite Prussian Guard Cavalry, known for their ceremonial splendor and battlefield discipline. These Mettlach steins were often commissioned or purchased by soldiers or given as presentation pieces. The mold number 2140 is part of a celebrated Mettlach series illustrating military pride and service.

Collector Appeal:
This stein is an excellent example of military-themed Mettlach ware and would appeal to both German militaria collectors and advanced stein enthusiasts, especially those with a focus on the Imperial cavalry. Its open-top format makes it a standout variant in contrast to the more commonly encountered pewter-lidded versions.